The Commencement Ceremony is a fitting conclusion to a successful academic career and earning a university degree. The ceremony is based on 800 years of tradition and is composed of a processional, introductions, awards, a speaker, and a recessional. It is colorful, festive, and dignified.
The processional, directed by faculty marshals, marches over a route in the central quad which will maximize the visibility of candidates and faculty in their multicolored hoods and gowns.
On arrival at their seats, candidates will remain standing until the Grand Marshal signals with the University Mace that all may be seated.
Music for the processional and recessional will be played by the University Brass Ensemble.
A typical Ceremony will begin with the Dean of the College welcoming the audience, giving instructions, and recognizing outstanding graduates. Alumni awards will be presented by an officer of the CSULB Alumni Association.
Candidates for degrees will be recognized individually by being called to the platform. Each name will be read from a card which the candidate will have filled out while lining up for the processional, and each will cross the platform.
A photograph will be taken and the candidate will be directed back to his/her seat by the faculty marshals.
Candidates will rise as directed and remain standing while the President confers the degrees.
After the President confers the degrees, the Bachelor's candidates may move their tassels from right to left. After closing remarks by the President of the University, the Grand Marshal will lead the recessional of graduates and dignitaries from the Commencement site to the reception. The audience is asked to remain seated until the recessional has been completed.
The Ceremony will last approximately two hours, including the time for the processional. Candidates and guests are expected to remain seated until the conclusion of the ceremony.
All ceremonies are approximately two hours in length. Graduates are expected to remain until the ceremony has concluded and the President has conferred the degrees.
